You Reap What You Sow

Often, when I talk to Hannah, I find myself saying things like:

"Stop being silly. Come and put your pajamas on right now."
or
"You're going to wake up your brother, stop screaming right now."

It sounds, to me, like a no-nonsense instruction. Assertive, if you will. Yet... when I hear those same types of statements echoed back at me, they have a whole new feel.

"I want a granola bar, right now."
or
"Get me a drink, right now."

Suddenly, what I hear is someone being downright rude. Demanding, even. Who taught my 3-year-old to talk to her mother that way? Oh, right. That would be me...